Interview with Newly Elected IBNS Ukraine President Vitalii Hashchak (13053-R) on the Future of the Chapter
1. What are your main priorities as the newly elected President of IBNS Ukraine?
My primary and most multi-layered priority is “Discover IBNS.” On one hand, this involves promoting banknote collecting in Ukraine — showing that banknotes can be just as fascinating to collect as coins, stamps, and other collectibles. On the other hand, IBNS itself offers an excellent opportunity to connect with collectors worldwide.
There are many banknote collectors around the world who are often open to sharing their knowledge and experiences. Some of them even publish banknote catalogs for their respective countries or focus on specific collecting niches (such as polymer banknotes, for example).
Moreover, IBNS members have the advantage of conducting safe banknote exchanges. This is why being part of IBNS ensures that the collector you are trading with is trustworthy and will not deceive you.
2. What new projects or initiatives do you plan to implement within the chapter?
At the moment, we are still working on forming a list of projects and initiatives that we will launch. Every project or initiative relies on the efforts of IBNS Ukraine members who invest their most valuable resource — time.
Right now, I see the promotion of IBNS in Ukraine (enhancing our media presence) as a key priority. This project will be led by our Vice President, Vitalii Cherniuk.
It is also essential to demonstrate that IBNS is not just another organization created for financial gain but rather an institution dedicated to Bonistics (the study and collection of banknotes). Our members are not just banknote collectors — they are researchers who study banknotes, write articles, and publish their findings. We have not emphasized this aspect before, but now I would like to showcase it more prominently. And beyond that — there’s more to come!
3. Do you have a strategy for promoting Bonistics among Ukrainian youth?
At this moment, this issue is still in development. We do not have a fully structured strategy yet, but we definitely plan to work on it. I believe it is crucial to provide beginners with the knowledge that many of us lacked when we first started collecting.
For instance, new collectors should know how and where to store banknotes, what can be collected, and other key aspects of the hobby.
4. How do you see the role of IBNS Ukraine in the international collectors’ community?
I am determined to maintain the high standard set by Serhiy Trushyn — building a young, active, and initiative-driven team that is passionate about banknote collecting and eager to promote this interest among collectors in both Ukraine and the world.
5. What are the biggest challenges IBNS Ukraine is currently facing?
The greatest challenge we have been facing for the past three years is the war. Some of our IBNS Ukraine members are defending Ukraine on the front lines, while others contribute by supporting efforts on the home front. Sadly, we have lost a fellow collector who died protecting our country.
In such times, it is more important than ever to stay united. As for the rest of the challenges — I believe we will overcome them.
We appreciate Vitalii for sharing his plans for the future and wish him success.
